Pavuvu logging starts despite wide opposition

From the Solomon Star (dse@pactok.peg.apc.org)
10 May 1995

Maving Brothers' logging operation on Pavuvu Islands has gone ahead despite
appeals by the Russell Islands, The Leader of the Opposition and environmental
groups for the government to scrap it.

"This is a national disgrace," said the head of Greenpeace in Solomon Islands,
Philip Pupuka.

The government has clearly demonstrated in this issue that it does not care
about the wishes of the people, but cares about the Malaysian logging company's
interests," he said.

Pupuka, who recently returned from Pavuvu Island said logging activities on the
island were well under way and villagers had reported their first experience of
pollution in their water catchment source of Kokoloan stream.

Their Objection was later reiterated by the national Paliament Leader of the
Opposition, Sir Baddley Devesi, who appealed to government for an immediate
cease to any logging activities on Pavuvu.

Devesi questioned the government's motive in pursuing the logging proposal when
the indigenous people of the island strongly rejected it.

Solomon Star contact Maving Brothers management yesterday but was unable to
reach any of the company's directors for comment.

In a statement issued by Greenpeace, environment campaigner Lawrence Makili
said the government had deliberately deceived the people of Russells by
claiming it had issued a suspension order over the Pavuvu logging issue, yet
the company continued with its operations.

Recently a delegation from the Prime Minister's office visited Russell Island
and held talks with the people there and on its return, the secretary to the
Prime Minister confirmed issuing a suspenpension order," Makili said.

Logging operations on the islands are reported to be continuing with the first
log shipment due at the end of this month.

"Greenpeace supports customary land rights of the indigenous Russell Islanders
over Pavuvu Island and calls on the government to stand by the people and halt
the logging," Makili said.

Solomon star contacted the Prime Minister's office yesterday, but was unable to
reach the relevant spokesman to comment on the issue.

Meanwhile, the recent government announcement that logging operations on Pavuvu
Island were under suspension has led to conflicting statements from the Prime
Minister's office and the Ministry of Forestry.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Forestry, it claimed it had no
knowledge of the PM's office decision to suspend the Pavuvu Islands operation.